In a significant decision that underscores the importance of reformative justice, the Bombay High Court on Friday granted bail to a 20-year-old from Virar, who is accused of kidnapping and sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl. Justice Milind Jadhav, presiding over the case, emphasized the potential adverse effects of prolonged incarceration on young offenders and advocated for a chance at rehabilitation.
The accused, a first-time offender, had developed a relationship with the girl over three years after they first connected on Instagram. The relationship, which began as an online friendship, evolved into a more personal bond. In October 2024, following a familial dispute, the girl left her home to spend the day at her college, where she was later joined by the accused. He is alleged to have convinced her to travel with him to Virar.
During her stay at the accused’s residence, she was introduced to his family as a friend, and they had dinner together. According to reports, the girl decided to stay overnight, during which they became sexually intimate. She left the following morning and was eventually found by her mother at Malad railway station. Her statements led to the young man’s arrest and subsequent charges.
However, Justice Jadhav highlighted that the review of photographs and messages exchanged between the pair revealed no evidence of coercion or violence. He noted, “The court feels that reform and rehabilitation of the undertrial accused needs to be considered, especially given the young age of the accused. There are several harms of incarceration that disproportionately affect young people.”
